Ducati DesertX Rally Ride Review | The real deal?

Big adventure bikes can be pretty scary for noobie riders like me, and I found the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally somewhat intimidating when I rode it a little while back.

But the Desert X Rally is perhaps even bigger and MORE intimidating. Too much for a rookie rider? Join me as I try and find out.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:14 Riding impressions
15:11 Verdict

#motorcycle #motorcycling #motorcyclereview #motorbike #motorbikes #motorbikereviews #midlifecrisis #ducatimotorcycles #ducati #ducatidesertx #ducatidesertxrally

[petegrimshaw]

I'm a proud owner of the "original" Desert X. My previous adv was a 2017 AfricaTwin which amazed me with its on and off road capabilities but after 2 years my chronic back problem vs the top heavy AT meant a rethink was needed. I tested many options but as soon as i set off on a test ride of the DX i was smitten. My 20 minute test ride became 1 hour (sorry Seastar Superbikes Norwich!!) and on my return i said "yes please, how long Ive added crash protection and a rally seat (Im 6'5" so its perfect) and i have a bike for life. It is stunning in every disguise but never scary or out of control. A very happy happy man with 2 wives.

[SpirosGlykas]

I rode the 'normal' Desert X and was pleasantly suprised. I too find it better looking than the Multi V2, even the Multi V4, better looking than most of today's adventure bikes. I believe it has more soul than its siblings, I've ridden both, it's a cracking bike to ride fast on the road and fairly easy for a bad offroader like me to ride in the dirt. I would consider buying one if I was in the market for a purposeful trail bike.

[simonr]

cool video mate. I do really like the DesertX and would have one in a heart beat if I didn't already have a lump of a 1290 SAR.

[MCH]

This video neatly sums ups the difference between the dream (as sold) and reality (as actually ridden) of the putative adventure scene You start by explaining that the bike is a more fully focused off road adventure machine - and then immediately take it for test ride on the road. What's all that about then? This isn't intended as a criticism of the review as such - more an observation of the marketing bull that sits behind so much of the industry. Like you, I too am a relatively new rider ( a late returner actually) and I absolutely love it, but it seems to me there's such a huge gap between what we are sold (told?) and what we actually need and use. Anyone going a genuine adventure would - I'd suggest - be better off with a smaller. lighter and cheaper machine. And as those roads you were riding are pretty local to me, I'd venture the Multistrada (and its ilk) isn't really the best bike for them either.
For all that - liked the videos and your honest style - good that they're not too long either.

[martinalvarezfranciscojavier]

I love your video. After 22 year whithout motorbike, and my childrem fliyng in his proyects, I want to buy one, this one. Escuse me for my bad English. A salute from Asturias.

[ottomondo]

Good metaphor using outdoor gear, but I think the BMWs are better represented by The North Face, or would that be Patagonia? 😂. The MultiStradas are for folks that know they know nothing about adventure riding but want to make the scene- like Post Card ski clothing.

[NetMillionaire]

Looks good bike ❤ but how does it compare to the new BMW 900GS? 😊

[hgm]

When you say larger engined trans-alp, do you mean their africa twin?

[AidanHill-sc]

No offence but… if you are intimidated by ANY motorcycle.. how are you qualified to review them? Serious question if not only for your own reflection

[MrSilus]

Why are you testing a bike you can barely handle?